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History
- Referred to cities
- Referred to cities
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S418
Title of bill
An act to amend the New York city charter, in relation to the qualifications of council members
Purpose
This bill would amend the New York City Charter to require those running for city council to be citizens of the United States and to have lived within the council district for the twelve months immediately preceding the election.
Summary of provisions
Section one amends the New York City Charter by adding a new section 21-a.
Existing law
Current law regarding the residency of those running for city council requires that the elected live in the district at the time he or she is sworn into office. They need not physically live in the district prior to, or during the actual campaign.
Justification
Over the last several years there have been many documented cases of people moving directly into districts with the express intention of solely running for office. These candidates have no ties to the districts or constituents they seek to represent and oftentimes issues over residency turn into campaign fodder.
One recent example regarding a candidate's residency occurred in a special election to fill a New York City Council seat in Brooklyn.. In that case it turned out that the winner did not reside in the district prior to the election as required by local law and could not take office after the results were certified As a result, another election had to be held at the direct expense of the taxpayers. The costs associated with this second election should not be shouldered onto those of the taxpayers, especially given the fact this whole situation never should have arisen in the first place.
Legislative history
2011-12: S.1319 2009-10: S.1430/A.5188
Fiscal implications
None to the state. Had this law been in effect several months ago, it would have saved the City of New York over $700,000, which is the approximate cost of holding a second city council election, following the disqualification of the first winner.
Local fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to all members elected on or after the date it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.